The Nutmeg: how to do the ultimate act of humilation

Modern football is somewhat of a different animal from decades prior. Whilst teamwork, grit and determination will always be a mainstay in the game, the footballing ‘individual’ reigns supreme.

Social media has given birth to various ‘skillz’ channels, even the Ballon D’or is now seen as one of the games biggest competitions. Football fans are an impatient bunch, even when receiving tips advice, such as via new content from Betnaked, for an event of their choosing, individual stats are almost as big a draw as the result itself – and they’re easy to come by.

Some forms of showboating however have never gone out of fashion – we present, the infamous ‘nutmeg’.

What is a Nutmeg?

Word is, the term came into being in the 1870’s. Nutmeg imports were big business between the United States and the UK. As described by Peter Seddon in his book ;Football Talk – The Language And Folklore Of The World’s Greatest Game’, the writers explains.

“Nutmegs were such a valuable commodity that unscrupulous exporters were wont to pull a fast one by mixing a helping of wooden replicas into the sacks being shipped to England,” he goes on, “Being nutmegged soon came to imply stupidity on the part of the duped victim and cleverness on the part of the trickster.”

As impressive as a fast piece of footwork, or perfectly judged piece of ball juggling can seem, the footballing world still seems in awe of the famous ‘nutmeg’. But, How to Nutmeg somebody?

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Picture the scenario – You are hardened defender who’s defensive skills are second to none, famed for you no-nonsense attitude to the game, image your surprise when an opposition defender evades you by simply putting the ball through your legs and retrieving it on the other side. No wonder it’s known as the ultimate footballing embarrassment. Not only is it a great way to get humiliate your opposition number, a perfectly timed nutmeg will free up space on the pitch in even the tightest of encounters. If you can’t run past somebody, perhaps the last thing defenders expect would be even you RAN THROUGH them.

Sounds good, how do I Netmeg somebody?

The secret to nutmegging somebody? make it seem like it’s the very LAST thing on your mind.

Defenders will often be obsessed with watching the ball as they harry you for the ball. As you move the ball sidewards in an effort to go around the player, you may notice the widening gap between his/her legs – this would be the perfect time to execute your move. Firstly drop your shoulder to make it seem like your going one way then deftly apply the ball between their legs.

Of course, remember to retrieve the ball on the other side – a nutmeg CAN NOT be claimed if you don’t do this.